Mirna Abboud, M.D., radiation oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Deke Slayton Cancer Center. Dr. Abboud shares what inspired her career in radiation oncology and her vision for the specialty’s future.
Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor, specifically studying radiation oncology?
I have always loved science, but it wasn’t until high school that I started thinking about going into the medical field. Radiation oncology was an exciting new field in my country (Lebanon). I had a rotation in the radiation oncology department and fell in love with the different aspects of this field, including radiobiology, physics, and computer and clinical work. The specialty combined my two passions: science and medicine. When I was accepted into the radiation oncology residency program, I was one of the first residents in the whole country.
What do you think the future of cancer treatment will look like?
Cancer treatment is currently evolving at a rapid pace. We have seen approvals for new therapies that show improvement in survival or tumor control. We constantly hear about new applications for immunotherapy and molecular therapy in different cancer types. Additionally, the field of radiation therapy is also evolving in terms of different trials showing great results with focused radiation treatment (stereotactic) for metastatic disease. I believe all these new treatment applications will help patients achieve better disease prognoses.
I treat my patients the same way I would like to be treated as a patient … I would like them to leave my clinic with reassurance that I am providing them with the best cancer care available."
What do you want your patients to know about you?
I treat my patients the same way I would like to be treated as a patient. I make sure to give them the time they need to understand their disease and treatment plan and ask whatever questions they may have. I would like them to leave my clinic with reassurance that I am providing them with the best cancer care available. My self-satisfaction depends upon the satisfaction of my patients.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time taking care of my three little girls, providing them with new experiences and teaching them to enjoy life. Together with my husband, we like to go to the park, travel, swim, explore new places, and try new restaurants.